In an exciting matchup on Wednesday night at Lumen Field, the Seattle Sounders and Mexico’s Cruz Azul faced off in the opening leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 duel, resulting in a tense scoreless draw. Both teams battled hard, but neither managed to find the back of the net. The Sounders extended their impressive unbeaten streak, remaining a force in the Champions League since 2020, while Cruz Azul demonstrated its daunting presence with a star-studded roster filled with former MLS talent.
Match Highlights
The thrilling encounter saw the Sounders put up a formidable resistance against Cruz Azul, a team that has seen substantial success in Liga MX. The Sounders created several promising chances, notably through star forward Jordan Morris, who came close to scoring multiple times, including a shot that hit the post. Despite their efforts, the scoreboard remained unchanged, reflecting the competitive nature of the match.
- Seattle’s Jordan Morris had two significant scoring opportunities, but unfortunately, both efforts missed their target.
- Nouhou Tolo came close with a powerful header that rattled the crossbar early in the second half, which could have changed the game’s momentum.
- Both goalkeepers, Stefan Frei for the Sounders and Kevin Mier for Cruz Azul, showcased their skills, earning clean sheets with key saves.
Absences Impacting the Game
Before the match, there was some concern over missing players that could have influenced the outcome. Several top players, such as Giorgos Giakoumakis, a notable forward for Cruz Azul, did not travel for the game due to various reasons, including injuries and international duties. Meanwhile, the Sounders also had to adjust their strategy due to Reed Baker-Whiting being out with a hamstring injury. The absence of these players added an interesting twist to the game and highlighted the depth of both teams’ rosters.
How to Watch the Second Leg
With the first leg ending in a draw, the stage is set for a thrilling second leg, which will take place next Tuesday at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City. Fans can catch all the action live: the match will be broadcast on FS2 for English-speaking viewers and TUDN for those who prefer Spanish coverage. With everything on the line, both teams will have their eyes set on advancing to the next round.
Post-Match Stats
| Team | Shots | Possession | Fouls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Sounders | 10 | 60% | 8 |
| Cruz Azul | 8 | 40% | 12 |
As fans reflect on the critical first leg of this matchup, both teams head into the second leg with strategies to adjust, aiming to secure their place in the next round of the Champions Cup. The highly competitive nature of this tournament has made it evident that every goal counts and can be the difference between victory and elimination.
